Sportsday - rolling football news

1. Seven Premier League matches on Wednesday
2. Australia hit World Cup record 417-6 in 275-run win over Afghanistan
3. Ireland can still slip up against Wales, insists Lancaster
4. England Women ease to opening Cyprus Cup win
5. GET INVOLVED: Your most memorable sporting spats

Goodbye!

And that is just about that from Wednesday's Sportsday. Now we urge you to head over here for all the breaking team news and match updates from tonight's SEVEN Premier League matches.

And we will leave the final word to Match of the Day host Gary Lineker...

BBC

Don't forget. And also don't forget that Sportsday will be back from 08:00 tomorrow to mop up all the thrills and spills from tonight's games. See you then!

Lawro's predictions

Fancy a flutter on tonight's matches but not sure where to stick your money? Maybe BBC Sport's football expert Mark Lawrenson* can help.

Every week Lawro pits his wits against a different guest as they attempt to predict the Premier League scores. Lawro's opponent for the midweek matches is Kieran Shudall, singer and guitarist in indie-rock band Circa Waves.

Find out what the pair plump for here.

Circa Waves

Kieran (second from left) has been an Everton fan since he was a "wee lad"

* But don't blame Lawro if you are left out of pocket...

Wednesday's Premier League matches

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is back in training following a hamstring injury but is unlikely to be risked.

Glen Johnson has overcome illness and Mamadou Sakho is nearing a return after a hip problem, but Jordon Ibe remains out with a knee injury.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has no new injury concerns and could once again name an unchanged starting line-up.

Matthew Taylor is still out following Achilles surgery, while Dean Marney and Kevin Long are out for the season.

Fifa and clubs set for Qatar talks

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Europe's biggest football clubs are set for talks with Fifa following the decision to switch the Qatar 2022 World Cup from summer to winter.

Following a meeting in Nyon, Switzerland on Tuesday a spokesman for the European Clubs' Association (ECA) told BBC Sport that: "The [ECA] board expressed its willingness to take up discussions with FIFA to find a serious and fair solution."

The ECA represents 214 of the continents leading sides including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and PSG.

Get involved

All day we have been asking for your most memorable sporting altercations, following the spat between Hull boss Steve Bruce and Sunderland counterpart Gus Poyet.

Colin Quartermain: Keegan and Bremner 1974 Charity Shield - not very charitable

Blackpool sign Addison on loan

Championship strugglers Blackpool sign Bournemouth defender Miles Addison on a 28-day loan.

The 26-year-old, who can also play in midfield, has not played a first-team game since a loan spell at Scunthorpe last August.

Joshua fancies Thompson fight

What next for unbeaten English heavyweight Anthony Joshua? The London 2012 Olympic gold medallist, who pulled out of his fight with American Kevin Johnson in January after aggravating a back injury, is set for a return to the ring next month.

And he is open to the idea of facing Tony Thompson, who has stopped Liverpool's David Price twice, soon....

Twitter

Wednesday's Premier League team news

West Ham striker Nene is pushing for his first start, having appeared as a substitute at the weekend.

Forward Carlton Cole remains a major doubt as he struggles to overcome a hamstring injury, while French midfielder Morgan Amalfitano is still suspended.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho may opt to rotate his squad following their League Cup success.

Midfielder Nemanja Matic serves the final game of his two-match ban, while John Obi Mikel is a doubt with a knee problem.

The maths behind a FA Cup run

"It's an astounding figure and something that will definitely help sustain the club for seasons to come."

The words of Warrington Town chairman Toby Macormac when his Northern Premier Division One club reached the FA Cup second round earlier this season.

BBC

But exactly how much do Warrington, and other clubs right across the English football pyramid, earn from FA Cup runs?

Let Football Focus presenter Dan Walker tell you in this super-duper interactive BBC iWonder guide.

Wycombe appeal against 70-second red

Wycombe Wanderers appeal against the red card shown to Matt McClure in the win at Tranmere Rovers, 70 seconds after he came off the bench.

McClure, 23, was sent off in Tuesday's game for leading with an elbow in an aerial challenge with Adam Dugdale.

He came off the bench in the 67th minute and was dismissed in the 68th.

Premier League preview

BBC

Wednesday's Premier League team news

Everton, 11 points behind the Potters, are winless in their last five Premier League games at the Britannia Stadium.

The Toffees will assess England left-back Leighton Baines, who missed the defeat by Arsenal after suffering a minor thigh injury.

If he is unavailable, youngster Luke Garbutt will continue to deputise. Forward Christian Atsu remains out through illness, but is set to return to training on Friday.

Wednesday's Premier League matches

PA

Tenth-placed Stoke are aiming to record a league double against Everton for the first time since the 1966-67 season.

But the Potters are without Irish midfielder Stephen Ireland, who misses out after requiring stitches to a calf wound suffered against Hull.

Ireland could be replaced by Scotland international Charlie Adam, who impressed as a half-time substitute on Saturday.

Cyprus Cup result

No heroic fightback by Scotland in their opening Cyprus Cup match. They are beaten 2-0 by Group A rivals Canada in Nicosia.

Meanwhile, England are top of Group B on goal difference after the first round of matches.

Group rivals Australia beat the Netherlands 1-0, Larissa Crummer scoring 17 minutes from time, after England won 3-1 against Finland.

Partial stadium closure for Everton tie

Everton's trip to Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev must be played in a partially closed stadium, rules governing body Uefa.

AFP

Dynamo have been punished after crowd trouble forced their Europa League last-32 match against French side Guingamp to be stopped for 15 minutes.

The Toffees will play the second leg of their last-16 tie in the Ukrainian capital on 19 March.

AFP

Guingamp officials claim Dynamo Kiev fans wanted "to kill" the fans of the French club who travelled to Ukraine

Premier League preview

BBC

Wednesday's Premier League matches

Some more early team news ahead of tonight's matches....

Arsenal, who have only won one of their last seven league matches at Loftus Road, have midfielder Aaron Ramsey available after three weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Holding midfielder Francis Coquelin could play despite fracturing his nose on Sunday but Jack Wilshere, Mathieu Debuchy, Mathieu Flamini and Abou Diaby remain out.

Watson given longer Watford deal

Getty Images

Championship side Watford extend midfielder Ben Watson's contract until 2017, with an option for a further year.

The 29-year-old, who scored the winning goal for Wigan in the 2013 FA Cup final, joined the Hornets in January for an undisclosed fee.

Former Middlesbrough striker Bernie Slaven: Went to see my old team-mate Gary Parkinson today with Gary Pallister - he's looking good. Still laughing and still battling. OneGaryParko.

Former Middlesbrough and Burnley right-back Parkinson, 47, suffers from locked-in syndrome.

Cyprus Cup latest

Scotland fall 2-0 behind in their opening Group A match against World Cup hosts Canada. Striker Josee Belanger thumps in Canada's second goal against the run of play.

Wednesday's headlines

We're heading into the final hour of Wednesday's Sportsday. Sigh...

So let's catch up on today's top content on the BBC Sport website....

Top story: Australia post the highest total in Cricket World Cup history as they score 417-6 in their Pool A match against Afghanistan in Perth.

Top video: Reanne Evans jokes that she had to charge her phone three times because of the media interest in her potentially becoming the first woman to play at the World Snooker Championship.

Top feature: Derby legend Roy McFarland, who played with and under Dave Mackay, remembers a "fearless" man and great player.

Top Tweet: Athlete Kelly Sotherton reveals the Commonwealth Games gold medal stolen from her home has been found.

Twitter

Wednesday's Premier League team news

Former Spurs midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has recovered from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of Saturday's win at Burnley and is likely to feature for the Swans, who have never won a league game at White Hart Lane, losing 14 and drawing two.

He is set to replace Spurs loanee Tom Carroll, who is ineligible to face his parent club.

Wednesday's Premier League matches

BBC

Wednesday's Premier League team news

Mauricio Pochettino may opt to rotate his squad as Tottenham, who are unbeaten in their seven Premier League games against Swansea - winning the last six - play their seventh game in 26 days.

Mousa Dembele, Erik Lamela, Federico Fazio, Benjamin Stambouli and Ben Davies will hope to earn recalls.

McIlroy paired with Watson and Stenson

Getty Images

World number one Rory McIlroy [pictured here in practice today] will tee off at 12:39 local time in the first round of tomorrow's World Golf Championship event, the Cadillac, at the Trump National Golf Club in Miami.

McIlroy plays alongside Masters champion Bubba Watson and Sweden's Henrik Stenson, while Englishman Justin Rose will be partnered by Sergio Garcia and American Jordan Spieth.

Get involved

Many thanks for your memorable sporting altercations.

Ewan Gillies: Cliff Thorburn had a row with Alex Higgins about a foul shot. Thorburn left the arena in a strop. Thorburn then told Higgins he could no longer share the use of his extension. All very petty.

David Lewis: The Dublin/Savage spat was particularly entertaining for a Birmingham fan. And now they work side-by-side for BBC!

Ed Cannon: Bradford City v Crawley 2012. Four players sent off after the final whistle.

Wednesday's Premier League matches

Third-bottom QPR, three points behind 17th placed Aston Villa with two games in hand, have midfielder Sandro available after a knee injury.

The Brazilian has been sidelined since November, and he could replace the suspended Joey Barton.

Rangers, winless in their last nine Premier League London derbies, will assess defenders Nedum Onuoha and Mauricio Isla, who are nearing returns from respective hamstring and knee problems.

Cyprus Cup latest

Earlier, we told you how England's women started their Group B campaign with a comfortable 3-1 win against Finland.

Now their Scottish counterparts, who have not qualified for this summer's World Cup, are midway through their opening match in Group A.

But Scotland are trailing 1-0 to Canada, Jessie Fleming sliding the Canadians ahead after just two minutes.

Phelps 'could compete' at Worlds

Reuters

Michael Phelps, the 18-time Olympic gold medallist, may be allowed to compete at the World Championships in Russia after originally being banned.

The American, 29, was given a six-month competitive ban plus exclusion from the Worlds later this year after being convicted of drink-driving.

"It's complicated, but there are ways in which it could happen," USA Swimming director Chuck Wielgus tells ESPN. "There's a pathway for things to be reconsidered - or considered."

Wednesday's Premier League matches

Getty Images

Manchester United, who have suffered just one defeat in their last 11 trips to St James' Park, welcome back defenders Phil Jones and Luke Shaw.

The England pair missed the 2-0 win against Sunderland through illness and injury respectively.

Manager Louis van Gaal says veteran midfielder Michael Carrick lacks sufficient match fitness to start following his recovery from a calf injury suffered in January.

The Red Devils could move into third place if they win and Arsenal drop points at QPR.

Pearson's regret over fan incident

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson is adamant he was right not to apologise for insulting a fan in December, but wishes he had handled it differently.

Pearson refused to say sorry after the Football Association handed him a touchline ban and £10,000 fine following an incident in City's 3-1 Premier League loss to Liverpool.

He told BBC East Midlands Today: "I wouldn't apologise to the individual.

"But offending people around me is something I would change. There are always two sides to a story. People like to give it out but they don't like to be on the receiving end."

Get involved

A selection of your comments from the BBC Sport Facebook page as we ask for your most memorable sporting altercations. Please keep them coming in, also using #sportingspats

Dan Slattery: Has to be Paolo Di Canio pushing the ref over.

Nick James: Cantona v 'supporter'

Ross McQueen: Andy Todd and Stan Collymore, Bolton v Villa at the Reebok a few years ago. Collymore didn't know what hit him after trying it on with Toddy.

Wednesday's Premier League matches

Getty Images

Some early Newcastle team news. Magpies midfielder Massadio Haidara is almost certain to miss out with a knee injury picked up against Aston Villa at the weekend.

Ryan Taylor is set to deputise, but French midfielder Remy Cabella remains injured and Jack Colback completes a two-game ban.

The Magpies, who have scored a league-high 69% of their goals in the second half this season, are aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since November.

Hull defend Michaels inclusion

Hull FC coach Lee Radford defends his decision to select centre Steve Michaels for Thursday's Super League match against Leeds Rhinos.

The 28-year-old Australian has been recalled, just five days after being implicated in an alleged cocaine scandal at his former club Gold Coast Titans.

"At the moment it is simply a report in a paper," says Radford. "We'll continue to put him up for selection unless something changes and puts a different light on the matter.

"If I was Steve then I could do with a game. I can only put myself in that position and I think that will be a good thing for him."

Ringer jnr set for French mission

BBC Wales Sport: Teenage Welsh prop Joel Ringer - son of former Wales flanker Paul - is to join Toulon.

GB prepare for Davis Cup showdown

Piers Newbery

BBC Sport in Glasgow

BBC

"Great Britain's biggest home Davis Cup tie for 16 years gets under way here in Glasgow on Friday, and singles players Andy Murray and James Ward have been getting a feel for the court at the Emirates Arena this afternoon.

"The United States provide the opposition, with John Isner, Donald Young and the Bryan brothers in the line-up - raising the prospect of an all-brothers doubles contest as Jamie Murray is in line to partner Andy.

"We will find out when the draw is made on Thursday at 12:00 GMT."

Wednesday's Premier League matches

BBC

Wednesday's Premier League matches

Leicester, four points adrift at the foot of the table with a game in hand on Burnley, have no new injury worries. The Foxes have won their last four top-flight away games against City from 1986-2003, keeping a clean sheet in each of their three victories during the Premier League era.

Adcocks advance in Birmingham

Commonwealth gold medallists Chris and Gabby Adcock, seeking to to become the first Britons to win an All England title since Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms in 2005, are safely through to the second round of the All England Badminton championships in Birmingham.

The mixed-doubles duo defeated Indonesia's Markis Kido and Pia Zebadiah Bernadeth 21-15, 21-8.

Wednesday's Premier League matches

Champions City, five points behind leaders Chelsea having played a game more, have a fully-fit squad against bottom-placed club Leicester.

There could be a first start for Wilfried Bony, who has made three substitute appearances since his move from Swansea.

Countdown to kick-off

AP

Tonight's top-flight programme has more subplots than an episode of Better Call Saul.

Title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, the bottom three of QPR, Burnley and Leicesterplus a host of Champions League-chasing sides are all playing.

So we have plenty to build up to over the next few hours, focusing on early team news and some eye-catching stats from the seven games.

Countdown to kick-off

With less than five hours to go until kick off, it is time to turn our attentions to tonight's SEVEN Premier League matches. Here's the tantalising fixture list...

Man City v Leicester (19:45 GMT)

Newcastle v Man Utd (19:45)

QPR v Arsenal (19:45)

Stoke v Everton (19:45)

Tottenham v Swansea (19:45)

West Ham v Chelsea (19:45)

Liverpool v Burnley (20:00)

Wednesday's headlines

Busy day? Not had chance to catch up with the sporting world? Don't worry - have a quick look at the best content on the BBC Sport website....

Top story: Australia post the highest total in Cricket World Cup history as they score 417-6 in their Pool A match against Afghanistan in Perth.

Top video: Reanne Evans jokes that she had to charge her phone three times because of the media interest in her potentially becoming the first woman to play at the World Snooker Championship.

Top feature: Derby legend Roy McFarland, who played with and under Dave Mackay, remembers a "fearless" man and great player.

Top Tweet: Athlete Kelly Sotherton reveals the Commonwealth Games gold medal stolen from her home has been found.

Twitter

Yarnold targets career grand slam

EPA

Winning World Championship gold would be an achievement equal to Olympic glory, says Britain's Lizzy Yarnold.

She secured the women's skeleton gold at the Sochi Games last year and is seeking a maiden world title in Winterberg, Germany, this week.

Victory would complete a career grand slam - with Yarnold having won the 2015 European crown and last season's overall World Cup title.

"To have all four titles in 13 months would be amazing - that has never happened before," Yarnold, 26, tells BBC Sport.

Get involved

Following the scuffle between Hull boss Steve Bruce and Sunderland counterpart Gus Poyet last night, we have been asking for your memories of #sportingspats.

Geoff Naylor: Derby's Francis Lee attacking Leeds defender Norman Hunter AFTER they'd both been sent off in the 1970s. They hated each other...

Adam Bennet: That season where Fergie and Rafa Benitez had a huge spat! Resorted to facts, anyone would have thought it was a court case.

Tom Goffee: Not much of a spat but Louis van Gaal taking Big Sam Allardyce's long-ball bait this season was very entertaining.

Stuart Lancaster news conference

England head coach Stuart Lancaster on what is at stake for his team in their final two Six Nations games: "There's plenty to play for - not just for now, the Championship - for me in terms of understanding which players can and can't deliver under pressure leading into the World Cup.

"Once we get to that World Cup camp, we'll have a lot more players available who've been injured...they'll come back into the equation and the World Cup will take its own course."

Stuart Lancaster news conference

Getty Images

Reacting to last weekend's 19-9 defeat against Ireland: "It's hugely disappointing to lose any game of rugby but New Zealand lost the last two warm-up games leading into the World Cup and won the World Cup.

"France lost in the pool stages and got to the final... it's how you react to a defeat and making sure you don't panic or lose belief in what you're doing.

"We didn't play as well as we wanted against a top class side but ultimately we won't lose the sense of direction that we're going, and that we're on the right track absolutely."

Stuart Lancaster news conference

England coach Stuart Lancaster has been chatting to the media as his Six Nations squad, beaten by Ireland last weekend, regroup ahead of the home clash against Scotland on 14 March.

Want to know what else he has been saying? You've got it....

Cyprus Cup result

BBC Sport's women's football reporter Tony Leighton in Larnaca: "All over in the still sunlit GSZ Stadium in Larnaca, where England have beaten Finland with goals from Lianne Sanderson, Eni Aluko and Jess Clarke.

Getty Images

"The only sour note on an otherwise bright afternoon was a red card for Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner, dismissed for an 89th-minute foul that led to a penalty scored by Tuija Saari.

"Central defender Bonner is the first player to have been sent off in the 15 matches under head coach Mark Sampson, 11 of those games ending in victory."

Cyprus Cup latest

No mistake from Finland captain Maija Saari. The central defender dispatches the spotkick easily, giving the 'eyes' to England keeper ending Carly Telford who dives the wrong way.

Surely no chance of a dramatic Finnish comeback....

Cyprus Cup latest

But wait! Finland have a lifeline. Or just hope of a consolation. Probably the latter.

England concede a late penalty as defender Gemma Bonner hacks down Finnish attacker Annika Kukkonen inside the box. Red card for Bonner and a penalty to Finland...

Cyprus Cup latest

BBC Sport women's football reporter Tony Leighton in Larnaca: "Game over with seven minutes remaining! Left winger Jess Clarke scores after striker Lianne Sanderson knocks down substitute Alex Scott's cross. Finland are well and truly out of a game in which they have always been second best."

Cyprus Cup latest

If the result was ever in doubt, then it surely isn't any more. England's dominance against Finland in this opening Group B match of the Cyprus Cup is rewarded with a third goal.

Winger Jess Clarke turns from provider - after teeing up Eniola Aluko for the second - to goalscorer. She pounces on a loose ball in the Finland box to fire in.

Man Utd yet to decide on Falcao

PA

Manchester United are yet to make a decision on Radamel Falcao's future.

French media claimed earlier today the Premier League side had informed Monaco they would not be exercising their option to buy the 29-year-old striker on a permanent £43m deal.

The Colombia striker has scored four times in 20 appearances for the Red Devils since arriving in September.

Cyprus Cup latest

England are coasting in the Cypriot sunshine. Chelsea forward Eniola Aluko doubles their lead in their Group B opener, driving the ball home from left winger Jess Clarke's low cross.

Stuart Lancaster news conference

Getty Images

England full-back Mike Brown, who experienced concussion symptoms after being carried off on a stretcher during the 47-17 win over Italy last month, is set to take part in training later this week, head coach Stuart Lancaster reveals.

"He's got to tick the final box tomorrow but he's feeling back to 100%," he said.

Cyprus Cup latest

Back under way as England look to begin their Group B campaign with a comfortable win.

Finland kick off the second half - and it is normal service resumed for the Three Lions.

They are gifted possession almost straight from kick-off, with Eniola Aluko trying her luck with an ambitious chip. But it fails to drop over the Finnish keeper Minna Meriluoto and into the net.

League clubs asked to consider Under-21 plan

League One and Two clubs have been asked to consider proposals allowing Premier League Under-21 clubs to take part in the Football League Trophy.

The proposal was one of many aired at a recent meeting at St George's Park to discuss issues arising from the FA Chairman's England Commission.

It would see a change in format for the Trophy, with a group system being brought in.

Karanka pleased with 'perfect' Boro

Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka said he expected his side to respond against Millwall on Tuesday to what he called his "worst" loss as manager at the weekend.

Boro, who lost for only the second time in 2015 at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, returned to winning ways with a 3-0 defeat of the struggling Lions to go top of the Championship.

"I had no doubt the players would have this reaction, everything was perfect," Karanka told BBC Tees.

"It was going to be difficult after the defeat on Saturday in Sheffield."

Australia wrap up Afghanistan victory

Australia complete a 275-run win over qualifiers Afghanistan in Pool A at the Waca in Perth.

Stuart Lancaster news conference

Reuters

The England coach on trailing Ireland by two points with two matches to play: "This time last year Ireland were probably sat in the same position as us and two weeks later they were sat with medals around their necks.

"We do rely on other results but we have two home games and Ireland have got to go to Wales, who have huge motivation."

Cyprus

BBC Sport's women's football reporter Tony Leighton in Larnaca: "The GSZ Stadium, a couple of miles from the coast, is sun-filled but virtually empty of spectators as Mark Sampson's team troop off at the interval having comfortably controlled the opening period.

"Scotland are set to face Italy when they kick off their Group A campaign at 15:.30 GMT in Nicosia."

Cyprus Cup latest

Peep, peep, peeeeep! The referee blows time on a routine first half for England in their Group B opener.

Mark Sampson's side lead through Lianne Sanderson's header as they disappear down the tunnel for a breather. And perhaps a half-time orange if they're lucky.

Finland go into the break for a rethink. They haven't had a single shot on the England goal.

Michaels named in Hull squad

Switching codes now, and Hull have named centre Steve Michaels in their squad just days after a warrant was issued for his arrest in Australia linked to an alleged drugs scandal in the National Rugby League.

Welsh duo fit to return

BBC Wales Sport: Wales duo Mike Phillips and Jamie Roberts available to play for Racing Metro vs Grenoble but lock Luke Charteris a doubt with a dead leg.

Cyprus Cup latest

BBC

England are continuing to do most of the running in the warm Cypriot air - which is pleasing the few hardy souls (or sensible souls who want some winter sun) following the Three Lions.

But Three Lions boss Mark Sampson might be hoping his side can add at least another goal to the scoreboard before the break. About 10 minutes to go.

Get involved

Your memorable sporting altercations. Please keep them coming in to #sportingspats and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Adam Bennet: That season where Fergie and Rafa Benitez had a huge spat! [The latter] resorted to "facts", anyone would have thought it was a court case.

Kevin Roome: Mark Ilott and Robert Croft in the NatWest Trophy semi-final, their wives were sat next to each other watching the game.

Aussie Handscomb signs for Gloucestershire

Getty Images

The third county cricket signing of the day sees Gloucestershire recruit batsman Peter Handscomb following his big-hitting exploits in Australia's Big Bash.

Although born in Melbourne, the 23-year-old has a British passport because his parents are English and will appear for the county as a non-overseas player in all formats of the game.

Handscomb, a Melbourne Stars team-mate of Kevin Pietersen, hit 103 not out off 64 balls against the Perth Scorchers last month.

Cyprus Cup latest

Breakthrough! After that earlier chance for Eniola Aluko, England continue to press and are rewarded through Lianne Sanderson's opener.

The Arsenal star loses her marker inside the Finland penalty area to firmly head in left-back Alex Greenwood's cross at the back stick.

Cyprus Cup latest

Slow start over on the south coast of Cyprus, where England meet a Finnish side ranked 23rd in the world.

The Three Lions, who are ranked sixth, carve the first opportunity of the match as Jade Moore finds space on the right flank to deliver a pinpoint cross towards the head of team-mate Eniola Aluko.

But the Chelsea striker cannot keep her header down and the ball flies over the Finland net.

MOTD man explains tunnel fun

BBC Radio 5 live

Standing around in the tunnel after a Premier League match can be a fun experience for journalists. Especially when there is a storm brewing.

Match of the Day commentator Conor McNamara was right in the thick of the action as he interviewed warring duo Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet after the 1-1 draw between Hull and Sunderland.

"I was waiting to interview both managers and they were playing cat and mouse in the tunnel because they didn't want to meet each other," explains Conor on BBC Radio 5 live.

"They were like schoolboys stood outside headteacher's office not wanting to make eye contact. But I'm sure they will sit down in the future and have a laugh about it."

Watch both Bruce and Poyet explain their actions to Conor.

Ireland not feeling green

Getty Images

Ireland are not feeling deflated after Tuesday's 201-run defeat by South Africa at the World Cup, says wicketkeeper Gary Wilson.

"After the game we were relaxed enough about the defeat," says Wilson in his BBC Sport column.

"What's the point in getting down about losing a game like that? We were out-skilled, no question about it, but that doesn't mean we suddenly become a bad side.

"It is simply a bump in the road for us."

Cyprus Cup latest

England are ready. Finland are ready. The referee is ready. Game on!

The Three Lions begin their Cyprus Cup campaign as their opening match against the Scandinavian side kicks off in Larnaca.

England are aiming to reach a third successive final in the tournament as they build up to this summer's World Cup.

Ainsworth reacts to McClure red

We told you earlier about last night's remarkable scenes at Prenton Park when Wycombe's Matt McClure was sent off just 70 seconds after coming onto the pitch as a substitute against Tranmere.

League Two promotion chasers Wycombe held on for a 2-1 victory, and McClure's manager Gareth Ainsworth has had his say on the red card.

"It was possibly the quickest sending off I've seen in my career.," Ainsworth told BBC Three Counties Radio. "I put him on because Sam Saunders was flagging and within five seconds he's off and I'm a lot worse off than with Sam on the pitch.

"Matty was the first to say he couldn't believe he was sent off. But if you catch someone with your arm you're going to go, especially when you're away from home and the home fans make a meal of it."

Celtic can win treble - Deila

Reuters

Celtic manager Ronny Deila reckons his in-form side are capable of securing the Scottish treble this season.

A win over Premiership rivals St Johnstone on Wednesday will take Deila's team nine points clear at the top of the table.

The Bhoys are already in the League Cup final and are also in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

"High goals gets high demands and good performances - and this group can handle it," says the Norwegian.

Gary Lineker

Match of the Day presenter

Brilliant morning filming with Michael Owen at his fabulous Manor House Stables for the FA Cup documentary.

@GARYLINEKER/TWITTER

The BBC - the place to stay across this season's FA Cup - will air a special documentary about the famous competition on BBC One in the week of the May final.

World Cup latest

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Reasonably safe to say Afghanistan are not going to overhaul Australia's World Cup record total of 417, they are currently 94-5 in the 21st over in Perth. Live text on the website and commentary continues on sports extra.

Get involved

Your memorable sporting altercations. Please keep them coming in to #sportingspats and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Alan Simon: On-field spats are common but England cricket captain Mike Gatting confronting umpire Shakoor Rana in 1987 was rather special!

David Storey: Bruce Grobbelaar and Steve McManaman in the Merseyside derby.

Kathryn Bate: Schumacher going after Coulthard in the pits after Coulthard crashed into the back of him during the Belgian Grand Prix 1998.

Warburton targets Ireland return

BBC Wales Sport: Wales captain Sam Warburton says "all the signs are positive" about recovering from a knee injury to face Ireland on 14 March.

Premier League stat attack

BBC

One more snazzy graphic relating to last night's Premier League action. And it makes happy reading for goal-starved Southampton supporters....

Kermorgant 'a great man' - Howe

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has called Yann Kermorgant "a great man" after he got both goals in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Wolves.

The 33-year-old striker missed the previous fixture against Nottingham Forest dealing with personal matters.

"He's a great man. I love working with him and he's been through a lot so for him to be here performing in the way that he is, he deserves a lot of credit," Howe told BBC Radio Solent.

Missives from the mailbag

Mark Twain: Great news Gus Poyet is alive and well...his premature demise was grossly exaggerated after hearing he'd kicked the bucket!

Premier League stat attack

BBC

With most of the post-match talk centring around Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet's spat, let's not forget that their relegation-threatened sides both badly needed three points last night.

Hull looked to be heading towards a vital win through new striker Dame N'Doye - continuing his fine start in East Yorkshire - before Jack Rodwell nabbed a point for the Black Cats.

Atalanta axe Colantuono

Getty Images

Stefano Colantuono has been sacked as Atalanta coach after the club slumped to their fourth successive league loss at the weekend.

He is the fifth Serie A coach to lose his job this season, following Eugenio Corini (Chievo), Walter Mazzarri (Inter Milan), Pierpaolo Bisoli (Cesena) and Zdenek Zeman (Cagliari).

Lennon blasts 'appalling' referee

Empics

Bolton Wanderers manager Neil Lennon criticised "appalling" referee Mark Haywood in their 1-1 draw with Reading.

First-half injuries to Zach Clough, Kevin McNaughton and David Wheater forced the Trotters into early changes.

"I can't speak highly enough of the players but I have to be careful what I say about the referee," Lennon, 43, told BBC Radio Manchester.

"He was absolutely appalling. There was no protection of our players tonight some of it turned into a wrestling match, he was so inconsistent."

More changes at Wigan

BBC Radio Manchester: Three more Wigan Athletic directors will step down at the end of the season. Dave Whelan resigned the chair yesterday.

England to begin Cyprus Cup campaign

And, right on cue, here is the England team news for their opener against Finland. Three Lions boss Mark Sampson names a side with a mixture of youth and experience.

England starting XI: Telford, Stokes, Bonner, Bassett, Greenwood, Moore, Williams, Potter, Clarke, Aluko, Sanderson.

England to begin Cyprus Cup campaign

England begin their Cyprus Cup campaign against Finland in an hour, aiming to reach a third successive final. The 2013 and runners-up last year, also face group games against Australia and the Netherlands.

We will be providing regular updates from the match right here on Sportsday.

Pietersen return "too distracting" - Hollioake

Getty Images

More from former England one-day captain Adam Hollioake's appearance on the BBC World Service programme Stumped today. He says of the possible return of Kevin Pietersen to the England team: "Six months ago I thought it was the wrong decision [to discard him]. I thought they acted in haste and it was handled appallingly.

"But move things on with his book, and his behaviour since then has been everything you wouldn't want from a person trying to win back a place in the side.

"I am all for having players in the side who don't conform but I think it is untenable now. It would be too distracting to have him back in the side. I can't see how Peter Moores can have him in there."

Bruce and Poyet like "two deers"

BBC Radio 5 live

Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet's spat should not be taken too seriously, says BBC Sport's Conor McNamara.

Conor was commentating on the 1-1 draw between Hull and Sunderland for Match of the Day.

"We all chuckled because it rarely becomes serious. Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet were like two deers in the field, stags clashing with their antlers," Conor tells BBC Radio 5 live.

"It began with a spilt drink, a big ice bucket which Poyet kicked over. Because these drinks went over, even the ref could hear on the pitch, all the attention went to the technical area.

"Managers are under pressure and it is tiny margins between getting three points, one point and no points. Once managers have picked their teams they are powerless and it is that frustration that spills over."

England don't have belief - Hollioake

Former England one-day captain Adam Hollioake has been talking to the BBC World Service's Stumped programme and says of the current side: "The players have the ability, they don't have the belief or expression.

"They don't seem to be able to throw a few punches. They are in a safe defensive mode which won't win you matches at a World Cup. It's not a skill thing. They have the players, it's all down to confidence and how they feel about themselves."

Stolen Sotherton medal found

Heptathlete Kelly Sotherton hails the institution that is the BBC's Crimewatch as her stolen Commonwealth Games medal is found following a report on the long-running programme.

Twitter

Wednesday's headlines

Busy day? Not had chance to catch up with the sporting world? Don't worry - have a quick look at the best content on the BBC Sport website....

Top story: Australia post the highest total in Cricket World Cup history as they scored 417-6 in their Pool A match against Afghanistan in Perth.

Top video: Find out who Scotland manager Gordon Strachan thinks is "evil".

Top feature: Derby legend Roy McFarland, who played with and under Dave Mackay, remembers a "fearless" man and great player.

Sammy poised to join Notts

AFP

West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy is set to join Nottinghamshire for a month this season. The 31-year-old will play in four T20 Blast matches between 31 May and 12 June, and his return can be negotiated should Notts reach the quarter-finals and finals day.

On this day

Getty Images

On this day in 1976 John Curry added to his Olympic gold medal by winning the men's title at the world figure-skating championships.

Sporting birthdays

Also celebrating their birthday today; former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin is 49 and ex-Everton striker Landon Donovan is 33.

Soldado salutes birthday boy Lamela

@R9Soldado

Spurs striker Roberto Soldado pays a birthday tribute to team-mate Erik Lamela, who is 23 today, with the Lilywhites in action against Swansea at White Hart Lane tonight, kick-off 19:45 GMT.

"Happy birthday @Coco_Lamela !!! I hope tonight you have the best gift," Soldado tweets.

Premier League stat attack

BBC

Premier League review

BBC

And looking at the Premier League table, it is not surprising that tension was high among both Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet.

The point did neither side a huge favour as Aston Villa were the big winners last night. Over the next hour or so, we will be picking out a few key stats from Tuesday's three matches, before looking forward to tonight's seven games later on.

FA wait for Bruce/Poyet report

PA

Rather like a pair of scrapping schoolboys stood outside the headteacher's office, Hull boss Steve Bruce and Sunderland rival Gus Poyet face an anxious wait to see if they face any punishment.

The pair clashed on the touchline during last night's 1-1 draw between their sides at the KC Stadium.

Now the Football Association says it is waiting for the report from the match officials before deciding whether to take any action against the pair.

British Masters returns to the European Tour

The European Tour has confirmed that the British Masters will return to the schedule for the first time in seven years in October, with four of Britain's top players taking turns to host the event.

Ryder Cup quartet Ian Poulter, Luke Donald, Justin Rose and Lee Westwood will help to select the venue each year, with Poulter first to assume hosting duties at Woburn from October 8-11.

First played in 1946, when Jimmy Adams and Bobby Locke tied at the Stoneham Golf Club, the event has been won by the likes of Sandy Lyle and Nick Faldo, with Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano winning the most recent tournament at The Belfry in 2008.

Get involved

Following the scuffle between Hull boss Steve Bruce and Sunderland counterpart Gus Poyet last night, we have been asking for your memories of #sportingspats.

Andrew Priestley: Roy Keane's very angry and public personal spat with Republic of Ireland coach Mick McCarthy days before the 2002 World Cup.

Dale Bradley: Bowyer and Dyer both sent off for trading blows in the middle of the pitch. While playing for the same team

Aditya Balaraman: Inzamam rampaging into the crowd with a bat in his hand when a spectator commented on his roundness. A sight to behold.

Get involved on Twitter, text 81111, or post on our Facebook page. Go, go, go!

World Cup update

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Australia have completed their 50 overs against Afghanistan and posted 417-6, David Warner top scoring with 178 from 133 balls. Should be enough shouldn't it? You can find out how the qualifiers fare in reply in our live text, with live commentary on sports extra.

Weir looking forward to double Marathon test

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Six-time Paralympic champion David Weir says he is looking forward to the challenge of taking part in both the Boston and London Marathons in April.

The London race, which doubles as the World Championship, takes place on 26 April - six days after the Boston race.

"I've never done two marathons in a week so that will be a challenge," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "After 2012 I needed some new goals and I thought I would give it a go this year because next year I will be focused on Rio."

5 live Sport

BBC Radio 5 live

Tonight's 5 live Sport with Mark Chapman from 19:00 GMT features coverage of the seven Premier League matches taking place today, with Jermaine Jenas and Kevin Kilbane in the studio to discuss the latest footballing developments.

Somerset sign Anderson for T20 Blast

Reuters

Somerset have signed New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson for the second half of this summer's T20 Blast.

The 24-year-old has played international cricket in all three formats of the game and is currently involved in the World Cup.

Anderson will be available after New Zealand's forthcoming summer tour to England, which ends on 23 June.

Get involved

Your memorable sporting altercations. Please keep them coming in to #sportingspats and the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Clemmow: Zinedine Zidane on Marco Materazzi on the biggest stage of them all.

Kieran Edwards: Joey Barton (for QPR) against Man City in the title winning game in 2012. Definitely helped us out there!

Neil Stevens: Hales and Flanagan... Both players sent off for Charlton for fighting.

*For those who may not know, Zidane was sent off for a headbutt on Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.

European back pages

Spanish Copa del Rey

Mundo

"Straight to the final!" says Barcelona-based sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo. Or something along those lines.

Lionel Messi is used to hurdling the outstretched legs of La Liga defenders, and Mundo shows the Argentine superstar negotiating the barriers facing Barca in the next few weeks.

Tonight, they try to outpace Villarreal for a spot in the Copa del Rey final, before facing Manchester City and then Real Madrid in the footraces towards the Champions League and La Liga finishing lines.

European back pages

Spanish Copa del Rey

While there is plenty of Premier League action later, our continental cousins are also preparing for a big night.

In Spain, it is semi-final time as four teams battle for a place in the Copa del Rey showpiece - the King's Cup. So daily sports newspaper Marca leads - if our translation skills are correct - with a headline of 'Appointment with the King'.

BBC

Barcelona travel to Villarreal holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg, while Espanyol host Athletic Bilbao with the tie poised at 1-1.

And - here's a special treat for you - we will be providing live updates from the Barca match right here on the BBC Sport website.

Royal St George's allow women members

Open Championship venue Royal St George's in Sandwich has voted to allow women members for the first time in its history.

A statement from the club read: "The Royal St George's Golf Club is pleased to announce that, following an extraordinary general meeting held on 14th February 2015 and a subsequent ballot of the full members of the club, a resolution to alter the club's rules to make ladies eligible for membership has been duly passed."

Sussex Women sign Aussie Osborne

Getty Images

The Sussex Women's team have signed Ashes-winning Australian International Erin Osborne, 25, for the forthcoming campaign.

Osborne will be available for only six matches this summer because Australia are to compete for the Ashes in England, but will play in two Royal London Women's One-Day Cup matches and four NatWest Women's County T20 games, including the fixtures at Arundel Castle against Kent and Middlesex.

UK back pages

Mirror

The Mirror have Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admitting he feared the sack when the Reds were on a bad run towards the end of last year when he said the challenge was "probably the biggest I have had as a coach or manager".

UK back pages

The Sun

The Sun says Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini "has vowed to stick by his principles in the face of some fierce criticism and is convinced he does not need to win a trophy this season to keep his job".

UK back pages

Let's have a look at what the papers have made of things and the Daily Express have my favourite headline.

Daily Express

Also in the Express, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has responded to the Football Association's suggestion that England will pick Harry Kane for both senior and Under-21 duty this summer by saying his preferred option is to give Kane a complete month's rest.

Get involved

Your memorable sporting altercations. Please keep them coming in to #sportingspats

Ada: The WWE-style body slam in the conference league a week or so ago springs to mind.

Hon.Sec Bell: Francis Lee v Norman Hunter, Derby v Leeds in 1975. The punch-up to end all punch-ups.

James: Bradford v Crawley a few seasons ago, full-on brawl at half-time. Hilarious.

Tottenham tribute for Mackay

AP

Tottenham attempt to recover from their disappointing League Cup final defeat against Chelsea by hosting Swansea tonight at White Hart Lane, where there will be a tribute to the late, great Dave Mackay.

Spurs players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute's applause for the legendary midfielder, who Bill Nicholson once described as his best ever signing, and former players will pay their own tributes at half-time.

Pakistan beat UAE

AFP

A World Cup result for you from Napier: Pakistan beat the United Arab Emirates by 129 runs to increase their quarter-final hopes.

Steve Bruce interview

You can also watch the interview with Hull boss Steve Bruce explaining his altercation with Sunderland counterpart Gus Poyet.

Punch-up stops play

I'm slightly wary that there is a violent theme to today's edition but amongst the video available for you to view on the website now is a mass brawl which disrupted play between Spanish basketball sides Saski-Baskonia and Bilbao Basket in their Liga AC match.

World Cup latest

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Reuters

Now over in Perth at the World Cup, David Warner has hit another century for Australia in their (mis)-match with Afghanistan, who opted to bowl after winning the toss. The Aussies have amassed 180-1 after 29 overs and you can keep up-to-date by joining the BBC live text, with commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Gossip Column

In today's BBC Sport Gossip Column Liverpool and Real Madrid have expressed an interest in 21-year-old Villarreal striker Luciano Vietto, who has a £7.25m release clause, according to the player's agent.

Premier League review

Reuters

At St Mary's, Southampton ended a run of six hours, 27 minutes without a goal at home, beating Crystal Palace 1-0. Sadio Mane scored a late winner to send the Saints up to fifth spot in the Premier League.

Premier League review

AP

At Villa Park last night, Aston Villa beat local rivals West Brom 2-1. Christian Benteke scored from the penalty spot deep into injury time to give an extremely relieved Tim Sherwood his first win as Villa manager and lift his side out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Get involved

Getty Images

With these incidents in mind we were wondering what have been your most memorable sporting spats? Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer coming to blows in 2005 springs to mind, particularly as they were Newcastle team-mates at the time.

There was more in-house confrontation when Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner clashed in the 5-1 League Cup defeat at Tottenham in 2008, while older viewers will recall Kevin Keegan and Billy Bremner squaring up in the 1974 Charity Shield.

Cricket fans of a certain vintage will remember Javed Miandad launching at Dennis Lillee with his bat in 1981, and more recent football examples include David Batty and Graeme Le Saux. So what have been the ones that stand out for you? Please send them in to #sportingspats.

Early bath for McClure

There was more controversy in League Two when Wycombe Wanderers striker Matt McClure was sent off for violent conduct 70 seconds after coming on as a substitute at Tranmere.

Confrontation at the KC

Bruce later said it was a case of "grown men acting like children", while Poyet, who said somewhat cryptically, "I was sent off for kicking the bucket", added: "What happens on the pitch stays there."

Showdown at the KC Stadium

Getty Images

At the KC Stadium last night, where Hull drew 1-1 with Sunderland, Black Cats boss Gus Poyet was sent to the stands and on the way there, Hull manager Steve Bruce took exception to something the Uruguayan said.

Hello and welcome along to another Sportsday. There was a lot of drama in the Premier League last night, with Aston Villa scraping a vital win over local rivals West Brom and Gus Poyet and Steve Bruce squaring up on the touchline during Hull's draw with Sunderland.

What will transpire in tonight's seven games?